Cereals & Combinable Crops
Welcome to the RuralNI Cereals and Combinable Crops Section. Here you will find practical information on production, business management and technology related to cereals and combinable crop production.
Latest Crop Management Notes
Management notes are produced on a monthly basis for local press. The information presented here outlines key management issues for that month.
Management notes are produced on a monthly basis for local press. The information presented here outlines key management issues for that month.
Nutrient Management Training
This course is designed to help arable growers calculate nutrient requirements from RB209 while ensuring that nutrient calculations and records comply with the Nitrates Directive. The course is divided into two sessions
This course is designed to help arable growers calculate nutrient requirements from RB209 while ensuring that nutrient calculations and records comply with the Nitrates Directive. The course is divided into two sessions
- Nutrient Management & Nitrates Directive records
- Calculating crop nutrient requirements using the computer program
If you are interested in attending a Nutrient Management meeting please contact your local Development Advisor.
Chemical (bagged) fertiliser applications
Arable farmers are reminded that fertilisers containing nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) must not be applied unless there is a crop requirement, taking account of soil fertility status and the supply of N and P from the application of organic manures.
Arable farmers are reminded that fertilisers containing nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) must not be applied unless there is a crop requirement, taking account of soil fertility status and the supply of N and P from the application of organic manures.
Where growers wish to apply ‘bagged’ fertiliser containing N the fertility status based on soil type and previous cropping must first be established
This will indicate the Soil Nitrogen Supply index from which the type and rate of N fertiliser to be used can be determined.
Where growers wish to apply ‘bagged’ fertiliser containing P the fertility status of the field must first be established through a soil test
This will indicate the P index of soil on which the type and rate of P fertiliser to be used can be determined. Growers are expected to provide evidence of soil nutrient status if ‘bagged’ N or P fertiliser has been applied. Growers, who continue as in the past to apply the same ‘bagged’ fertiliser programme to their cereals or potatoes, ignoring soil analysis, may well be in breach of the Nitrates Directive and they are putting their Single Farm Payment at risk.
This will indicate the P index of soil on which the type and rate of P fertiliser to be used can be determined. Growers are expected to provide evidence of soil nutrient status if ‘bagged’ N or P fertiliser has been applied. Growers, who continue as in the past to apply the same ‘bagged’ fertiliser programme to their cereals or potatoes, ignoring soil analysis, may well be in breach of the Nitrates Directive and they are putting their Single Farm Payment at risk.
Soil sampling
Equipment with directions for use is available at your local DARD office. Fields need to be sampled every four years and the size of the area for one sample must not be more than four hectares. Samples can be left back to the DARD office where a charge of £9.50 including VAT will be collected.
Equipment with directions for use is available at your local DARD office. Fields need to be sampled every four years and the size of the area for one sample must not be more than four hectares. Samples can be left back to the DARD office where a charge of £9.50 including VAT will be collected.
